The boat approach made this a unique hike. This peak might have the most scenic trail head I have ever seen. Also, I enjoyed the company of the group so much that I think it was my favorite part of the trip.

As far as one-day trips go, I could not have envisioned or asked for anything much better than our experience...

The first awesome warm weather day of Spring, team-operated boat rides, trail walking, snowy ridge, a fire lookout, the most fantastic far-ranging views I have ever seen from one location in the North Cascades, and absolutely wonderful hiking/boating partners to share the experience with. One of the best experiences I have ever had in the Washington Cascades. Period.

Two of us then summited Mount Baring the following day, making the weekend have approximately 10,000' total elevation gain. Woohoo!

This is one of my all-time favorite hikes. I went up alone, and as it was still fairly early in summer, the lookout cabin was locked up. There was no one out hiking, no boats on Ross Lake, hardly anyone even at the floating cabins. With the exception of the flies, it was total solitude and silence at the peak...a really great memory.